Eduard EX069 - 1:48 RA-5C Vigilante masks

Eduard EX069 mask set – canopy painting masks for the RA-5C Vigilante model (Trumpeter) in 1:48 scale

Eduard EX069 is a set of self-adhesive 1:48 masks for painting the canopy framing and other glazing, and the wheel hubs, tailored to the RA-5C Vigilante model from Trumpeter. The masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper, giving sharp edges without hand masking with tape. The base kit is not included.

What's in the box:

• Sheet of self-adhesive masks made of yellow Kabuki masking paper, die-cut for the canopy and other glazing and for the wheel hubs
• Mask placement instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: EX069
• Manufacturer: Eduard
• Dedicated kit: RA-5C Vigilante from Trumpeter
• Accessory type: canopy painting masks
• Material: yellow Kabuki masking paper, machine-cut

Self-adhesive painting masks – crisp canopy frame edges

Eduard masks are self-adhesive stencils die-cut from low-tack yellow Kabuki masking paper suited to delicate model surfaces. They cover the clear areas of the glazing and leave only the canopy framing exposed, so that after airbrushing you get sharp, even frame edges – hard to achieve when masking by hand with tape.

The recommended method is to apply the masks to clean, degreased glazing, press the edges down firmly and then airbrush the paint. Once the paint has dried, the masks are removed. The masks are intended for single use and should not be left on the model for a long time.

About the aircraft – USA:

The North American A-5 Vigilante was designed as a carrier-based strategic bomber for the US Navy, capable of delivering nuclear weapons. It was a large, twin-engine high-wing aircraft with swept wings, advanced avionics and a linear weapons system that ejected the bomb rearward through a tunnel between the engines. The airframe made extensive use of titanium and exceeded twice the speed of sound.

The reconnaissance RA-5C became the main operational variant after the bomber role was withdrawn. It carried camera pods, side-looking radar and infrared sensors, forming a versatile tactical reconnaissance platform. Vigilantes served over Vietnam, where they suffered notable losses due to predictable flight profiles. They were retired in 1979.

Original specifications (USA):

• Length: 23.3 m
• Wingspan: 16.2 m
• Height: 5.9 m
• Max. takeoff weight: 28,600 kg
• Crew: 2
• Powerplant: 2 x General Electric J79-GE-10 turbojets, approx. 80 kN each with afterburner
• Max. speed: approx. 2100 km/h (Mach 2.0)
• Ceiling: approx. 15,900 m
• Range: approx. 3000 km
• Armament: none fixed; reconnaissance pods
• Production: 1961-1970, approx. 156 built (all variants)

About the manufacturer – Eduard:

Eduard is a Czech manufacturer of scale model kits and modelling accessories, established in 1989 and based in Obrnice. The company is widely recognised among aircraft modellers for its own 1:48 and 1:72 kits and for an extensive range of upgrade accessories: photo-etched parts, Brassin resin components, decals and painting masks. Eduard masks are die-cut from yellow Kabuki masking paper and designed for specific plastic kits, ensuring an accurate fit to the shape of the canopy and other details. The EX mask series covers hundreds of items dedicated both to Eduard kits and to kits from other manufacturers.